Shipping unit



Dec. 29, 1936. I 1 E; I. BURKE I v 2,065,650

SHIPPiNG UNIT Filed Dec. 16, 1933 4 sl zeetsfsh m; 1

* f 1 w M Mi [H I f M [51. g I! I Cittornegs Dec. 29, 1936. v BURKE 2,065,650

SHIPPING UNIT Filed Dec. 16, 19:53 4' Sheets-Sheet 2 3nnentor Dec. 29, 1936. E. BURKE SHIPPING UNIT Filed Dec. 16, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Snnntor 4221 Z-BUR/(E (Ittornegs Dec. 29; 1936. E. 1 BURKE 2,065,650

SHIPPING UNIT,

Filed Dec. 16, 1953 4 Sheets -Sheet 4 (ittotnegs Patented Dec. 29, 1936 UNITED STATES SHIPPING UNIT Earl I. Burke, Warren, Ohio, assignor to Republic Steel Corporation, Youngstown, Ohio, a corporation of New Jersey Application December 16, 1933, Serial No. 702,707

3 Claims.

This invention relates to improved methods and means for packaging sheet material and more particularly concerns the packaging, handling and shipping of fiat metal sheets such as 5 tin plate.

Prior to the present invention tin plate has been shipped by making up a number of stalls or compartments in a box car or gondola from suitable wood bulkheads and then placing bundles or loose tin plate within the compartments so that the plate stood on edge or laid flat therein.

The jarring and bumps encountered by the transporting vehicle en route, however, ordinarily caused the heavy tin plate to break through the retaining bulkheads or the tin plate itself was damaged by relative sliding movement between sheets to cause spotting or damaged surfaces or by bending or crimping of the edges in cases where the bulkhead held. Moreover, packing and shipping by this procedure entailed nailing the bulkheads to the floor and side walls of the trans- Porting vehicle and was therefore unsatisfactory in that the life of the transporting vehicle was lowered as a result. It was likewise expensive to make up the retaining bulkheads and the operation entailed considerable time and expense and the use of shippers who were skilled in carpentry.

It has likewise been proposed in the past to ship tin plate orlike material by providing metallic frameworks which surround and clamp the plates or sheets in position with the frameworks being returned to the shipper by the purchaser. This procedure, however, necessitates expensive initial equipment and is likewise undesirable in that the special frameworks and clamps must ordinarily be returned to the shipper.

By the present invention the foregoing and other dificulties and undesirable features of prior practices are avoided and overcome by the provie 40 sion of an improved method and means for packaging and shipping tin plate or the like. The tin plate is bound into individual packages which are in turn bound into a large unit which is left free ordinarily to float or shift upon the floor of the transporting vehicle as occasioned by shocks or jars en route. The means provided to bind up the tin plate in individual packages and likewise the means to unite the individualpackagesintoacommon unit are simple, inexpensive and readily applied by the unskilled workman, with inexpensive tools. The invention likewise reduces the number of binding means to a minimum by a clever and novel method of designing the packages so that binding means extendingabout the bound unit in one direction will engage protuberances on the individual packages so that the packages will not be able to slip out from under the binding means. The invention likewise contemplates providing .an improved tin plate package which is protected against dirt and inclement weather by a suitable 5 shroud which allows the packages to be placed one upon the other without damage to the package or the shroud.

The foregoing and other advantages are obtained by the present invention which is de- 10 scribed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an improved tin plate package embodying the features of the present invention. 15

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tin plate package illustrated in Fig. 1 with the addition of a protective shroud.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second form of tin plate package. 20

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the means gr binding up the tin plate package illustrated in Fig. 3.,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a unit formed of a plurality of tin plate packages and positioned 25 in a box car which has been largely broken away to better illustrate the invention.

Fig. 5A is a fragmentary end view of the shipping unit shown in Figure 5.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but illustrates a 30 second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig; '7 is a plan view of an arrangement for positioning a package unit during shipping.

Fig. 8 is a view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 7 illustrating the manner in which the anchoring strap 35 is secured.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 but of a modl-- fied manner of holding the strap anchor.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 the numeral l0 indicates generally 40 a tin plate package comprising a plurality of stacked sheets l2. These tin plate sheets are from about 12" to 48 wide and from about 15" to 60 long and. are ordinarily of comparatively thin gauge ranging from of an inch to ex- 45 tremely thin stock. The sheets l2 are mounted upon a suitable platform or base indicated generally at M which may comprise sled runners or skids l6 and transverse flat members Ill. The platform I4 is preferably made of wood through- 50 out which is inexpensive and satisfactory. The sled runners or skids iii are bevelled upwardly at their ends as at 20 to permit the platform H to be moved or slid along the floor of the transporting vehicle as hereinafter'described.

The sheets of tin plate l2 are secured on the platform l4, which may be covered with cushioning paper, by any desired means which may take the form of flexible binding elements 26 that extend underneath the platform I4 between the sled runners l6 and up over the center of the tin plate sheets where they are tightened and fastened, as at 28, by any suitable tightening and locking tool. Batten members 30 of any suitable material, such as wood, metal, or heavy cardboard, are preferably positioned under the binding elements 26 at the sides of the tin plate stack, and these batten members are approximately the height of the tin plate stack. In addition, angles 32 of any desired material such as sheet metal or cardboard may be employed at the corners of the bound stack beneath the bindin elements 26. These angles 32 may be of substantially any width and may also extend across the entire width or height if preferred.

As illustrated in Fig. 2 the entire package If! may, if desired, be covered by a suitable shroud shown at 36 which may be made of thin wood, corrugated cardboard,- paper or the like. The shroud 36 is made without a bottom and is adapted to fit down over the tin plate package so that the top of the shroud is substantially flat on the top of the tin plate package. By this construction it is possible to pile the tin plate packages one upon another without damage to the shroud 36. The shroud 36 is secured in place preferably by a single flexible means which extends horizontally around the shroud near the bottom of the package. This flexible means may take the form of a flat steel band 38 which is tightened and locked in position by any suitable and known handling tools. The single horizontal retaining strap functions to clamp the shroud down against theedges of the tin plate to hold the shroud firmly in place, where at least a pair of 'vertical binding means would be-required to hold the shroud properly in position.

The invention likewise contemplates providing a bottom shroud or tray very similar to the shroud 36 described just above except that it encases the sheets from below like a tray. The bottom shroud or tray may be made of corrugated cardboard, light weight wood, or the like, and functions to protect the sheets or plates as will be understood. Paper or cardboard may be placed over the top of the sheets when the bottom shroud is employed in order to fully enclose the sheets.-

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 the means securing the stacked sheet or plate together has been simplified. The

finished package is shown in Fig. 3, while Fig. 4 serves to illustrate the-parts going into the binding of the finished package. In this form of package a platform indicated by the numeral 44 is provided which has a plurality of longitudinally extending sled runners or skids 46 which support the transverse members 48 which are positioned preferably to form a supporting surface. The platform is ordinarily built entirely of wood and the sled runners 45 may be beveled at their ends to permit sliding movement of the package on a support.

The numeral 50 indicates the stacked tin plate or other similar sheet metalwhich is approximately the same size as that described above in conjunction with Figs. 1 and 2 and which is approximately the same size as the platform 44. In securing the sheets 50 on the platform 44, flexible binding elements 52 are used which preferably comprise flat high tension steel bands which are spaced from the sheets 50 by wooden batten members 54 and corrugated cardboard sheets 58. The straps 52 are drawn around the sheets 50 and tightened and looked as at 62 by any suitable tightening and locking tools which are well known in the trade. A sheet of protecting paper or cardboard may be employed at the top and bottom of the stacked tin plate, however, this is not necessary, although often advisable.

The present invention is particularly concerned with the binding of the individual tin plate packages into a single unit although it has likewise embodied certain improvements in the tin plate packages themselves. The individual tin plate packages, such as indicated by the numerals l and 50 and fully discussed above, are positioned in the transporting vehicle so that the sled runners or skids of the individual mounting bases or platforms will extend longitudinally of the vehicle. This is because most of the shocks and jars encountered by the vehicle in transit are in a-longitudinal direction thereby causing or tending to cause movement of the individual package longitudinally of the vehicle.

The packages are preferably positioned in a plurality of aligned rows upon the floor of the transportingvehicle. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. the tin plate packages have been illustrated as transported in a box car shown by the numeral 64. From'the drawings -it will be seen that the tin plate packages which have been identified by the numeral III are positioned in'a plurality such as three, sometimes four or more longitudinally extending aligned rows in the end of the box car and' as stated above, so that the sled runners or skids of the platforms extend longitudinally of the box car. The plurality of aligned rows of individual packages III are bound together in a single unit by theprovision of end bulkheads indicated generally at 56 which are made up preferably from wooden 2 x 6'5, 2 x 4's or the like. The bulkheads 66 normally extend outwardly beyond the ends of the individual packages, as shown in the drawings, so that the bulkheads themselves function as guiding means for the unit if it shifts in that the bulkheads are substantially in contact with the side walls of the box car. The

bulkheads 66 are likewise of a height which is' approximately the thickness of the individual tin plate packages l0 and the bulkheads are preferably formed so that they are supported a short distance above the floor of the transporting vehicle as by the posts 68.

Flexible binding means are provided for securing the bulkheads 66 together and to bind the individual packages together and these flexible means preferably comprise flat, high tension, steel bands 10, which extend longitudinally of the unit and around the bulkheads. The bands are tightened and locked as at 12 by any suitable tool. It will be seen that by supporting the bulkhead 66 the spaced distance above the .vehicle floor the binding straps 10 will not only lie tightly against the top of the individual packages |0 but will likewise lie closely and tightly against the underside of the individual platforms of the individual packages. This double acting grip upon the packages tends to hold the various packages snugly together as a unit and moreover by positioning the band 10 in the manner shown in Fig."5 the bands will engage behind the sled runners or'skids on the outermost rows of packages so that it will be impossible for the packages to be laterally displaced in transit. As is more clearly illustrated in Fig. A the longitudinal bands ill engage the bottoms of the cross members N3 of the platforms Id of the outer rows of the packages forming the shaping unit, and also engage the outer sides of the middle sled runners of these rows of packages. This engagement of the bands with the outer sides of sled runners of the outer rows of packages prevents the lateral displacement of any individual package relative to other packages and to the bulkheads. Thus a single pair of longitudinal binding means functions to hold the plurality of individual packages together in a single unit. The cost of packaging is thereby considerably lowered due to the small amount of material necessary and likewise the time and labor cost is materially reduced.

It will be understood that it is possible to build up a bulkhead which extends completely to the floor of the transporting vehicle with portions of the bulkhead being cut away to allow the binding straps to be raised up from the floor and to lie tightly against the underside of the individual package platforms. The individual packages lil are preferably separated by wooden spacing members 80 which lie both laterally and lon-= gitudinally between the respective packages. These spacing and separating members 80 may be dispensed with under certain conditions where, for example, well shrouded individual packages are employed.

In the embodiment of. the invention illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings the tin plate unit is substantially the same as that illustrated in Fig. 5 and described above and therefore, similar numerals have been employed to designate similar parts in the two figures except that the exponent (a) 'has been added in Fig. 6. In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 6 the unit has been provided with a plurality of lateral binding means which preferably take the form of flat high tension steel bands 86 that extend trans versely underneath the unit and up over the center portion of the unit where they are tightened and locked in position as at 88.- Batten members 90 may be provided at the sides of the unit underneath the binding means 86 to prevent crimping of the tin plate at these places and these battens may extend full length of the unit to provide additional protection therefor.

It will be understood that in making up the tin plate units of Figs. 5 and 6 from the individual packages I 0 and 60 that generally the individual packages are carried into the transporting vehicle by an ordinary carrying truck and that the packages are placed upon the floor in aligned position. The bulkheads are thereafter placed at the ends of the aligned rows and the flexible binding straps are threaded or pushed under the individual packages, Wrapt around the ends and over the top where they are tightened and fastened. The tin plate unit then can be covered with heavy paper or other protective means which is most often done when the. individual packages are not shrouded. Paper or other protecting means maybe, utilized only around the edges of the unit if so desired.

The unit will preferably be left free to float or shift uponthe floor of the transporting vehicle as occasioned by shocks or jars in transit. The bulkheads will function as guides in such movement in that they contact with the side walls of the vehicle.

It is sometimes quite desirable to position the unit formed of the plurality of packages in the transporting vehicle so that it will not move out of or beyond a certain positionin transit. When this is done it is ordinarily easier to get unloading means into the transporting vehicle. To this end the present invention contemplates providing suitable means for positioning the combination unit in the transporting vehicle and Figs. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the manner in which this is accomplished. In the said figures of the drawings the numeral 90 indicates generally the trans-' porting vehicle while the package unit as a whole is indicated by the numeral 92. Positioned at the outer end of the combination unit 92 is a retaming-strap or band 94 which is of high tension steel similar to the bands employed for binding the individual packages together into the unit. The band 94 is fastened in any suitable manner to the sides of the transporting vehicle 90 adjacent the ends of the unit 92. Sufiicient play is left in the band 94 so that the combination unit 92 will have some free floating movement on the floor of the transporting vehicle. However, the band will. serve to prevent undesirable displacement beyond a limited point of the combination unit during shipment.

Referring to Fig. 8, one manner of securing the ends of the band 94 to the side walls of the transporting vehicle 90 is shown. This comprises merely nailing the ends of the band to suitable blocks which are secured to the side walls of the vehicle. Key-shaped holes may be employed in the end of the band to permit placing the band in position after the unit is in place or the blocks 96 to which the strap ends are secured may be bolted or hooked to the sides of the vehicle so that they can be secured in place after the unit has been assembled. Various other expedients will suggest themselves to the skilled mechanic.

For example as shown in Fig. -9, wooden blocks 98 may besecured to the sides of the vehicle 90 somewhat above the unit 92 but sloping downwardly so that the strap 94 can be readily nailed thereto after the unit is in position.

Again the-blocks can be nailed beyond the end of the unit to the vehicle walls with the straps underneath the blocks and extending out from under the ends of the blocks nearestthe unit and then across in front of the unit to provide a stop for the unit.

Upon arrival at the receiving station it is a simple matter to cut the stop and retaining bands, remove the end bulkheads and handle the indi-. vidual tin plate packages by the ordinary lifting truck. The individual packages being bound up separately can be stored or transmitted in 'or about the shop of the purchaser as he sees fit.

From the foregoing it will be recognized that by the present invention a simplified, practical and inexpensive method and means has been provided for handling and shipping sheet material and that moreover, various difliculties and undesirable features in prior practices have been either overcome or avoided. The packaging means have been reduced to a minimum and likewise they require a minimum of time and skill to apply and remove. There is no necessity to return any part of the packaging apparatus or means to the shipper and the buyer can scrap or salvage the same as he so desires.

While the invention has been particularly ilnumber of individual packages and that it is not necessary to have a plurality of aligned rows for only two packages could be secured together to enjoy the advantages entailed by the present invention. I

In accordance with the patent statutes certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and describedin detail; however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited thereto but is defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A shipping unit comprising a plurality of packages having sled runners and positioned in a plurality of parallel rows with the sled runners of the packages aligned and extending longitudinally of the unit, bulkheads at the ends of the rows of packages, longitudinally extending, flexible tensioned means binding the bulkheads and 5 the packages together for movement as a unit,

said binding meansengaging the outersides-oi sled runners on the outermost rows of packages to prevent lateral displacement of any package relative to other packages and to the bulkheads.

2. A shipping unit comprising a plurality of packages each of which includes a base havin parallel sled runners and a plurality of sheets secured on the base, said packages being positioned in a plurality of parallel rows with the sled runners oi the packages aligned and extending longitudinally of the unit, bulkheads at the ends of the rows of packagesand extending beyond the sides of the outer rows of packages, flexible tensioned binding means extending longitudinally around the bulkheads and the packages therebetween and securing the packages and bulkheads together for movement as a unit, said binding means engaging the outer sides of sled runners on the outermost rows of packages to prevent lateral displacement or any package relative to other packages and to the bulkheads.

3. A shipping unit proportioned to be arranged within a vehicle and spaced from the longitudinal and transverse walls thereof comprising a plurality of packages having sled runners and positioned in a plurality of aligned rows with the sled runners of the packages aligned and extending longitudinally of the unit, bulkheads at the ends of the rows of packages, flexible tensioned binding means engaging the outer sides of the middle sled runners on the outermost row of packages and extending longitudinally around the bulkheads and packages therebetween and securing the packages and bulkheads together for movement as a unit longitudinally of the vehicle, said bulkheads extending beyond the sides of the outer rows of packages to guide the unit with respect to the longitudinal walls of the vehicle in the event of longitudinal bodily movement oi! the unit during transit.

EARL I. BURKE. 

